Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association
  • About
    • Celebrating 70 years
    • Board of Directors
    • Corporate Leadership Program
    • Our Team >
      • Contact us
      • Work at PFMA
    • Antitrust Statement
  • Membership
    • Retail Membership
    • Associate Membership
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    • Pennsylvania Coupon Redemption Services >
      • The PCRS process
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    • Retail Price Accuracy >
      • SCP Request Information
    • Endorsed services & Partners
    • Job bank
  • Buyers Guide

ADVOCACY

Priorities

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WE SUPPORT

Advocating business-friendly tax reforms – In addition to PFMA’s longstanding efforts to stop new or increased taxes and fees from gaining traction at the state level, this year we are actively engaged in efforts to lower the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate.
 
Addressing organized retail crime – ORC has escalated in scope and frequency across the state and particularly in Philadelphia. PFMA is working with the state Attorney General’s Office, the Philadelphia Police Department and District Attorney’s Office, as well as state legislators, to find funding and policy solutions to curb and reverse this trend.
 
Improvements to SNAP/WIC programs - PFMA is working to pass legislation that would adjust the SNAP distribution schedule to allow for a longer distribution period during which recipients would receive their monthly benefits. PFMA has also assisted in advising DHS on the optimal distribution schedule for pandemic EBT and other emergency benefits, and continues to work with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and DHS to coordinate and inform members of current and future payment schedules. 
 
Alcohol Retail, Wholesale, and Consumer Convenience Reforms - PFMA continues to monitor and advise the legislature and Wolf Administration on various proposed alcohol retail and wholesale pieces of legislation. PFMA is included as a major stakeholder in these discussions about further improving the system. PFMA testified in support of a constitutional amendment to privatize alcohol sales offered by Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny) early in the year.
 
Price Gouging Act Reform - Last session PFMA assisted in securing passage of SB 139 which would amend the price gouging law in PA from the Pennsylvania Senate. That bill stalled in the House as session ended. PFMA continues to work with our stakeholder partners to iron out issues the Wolf Administration has with the legislation.
 
Cannabis/CBD legislation - PFMA is engaged in conversations with the General Assembly, governor and our membership regarding CBD and Cannabis legislation and legislative hearings. We continue to gather feedback and share our insights on the topics and a desire to be able to have our members participate when they are fully legalized. We expect further conversation and possible action in 2023 on the issues.

Hours of Service Waivers – When needed PFMA has consistently and successfully advocated for waivers to hours-of-service regulations both at the state level with PEMA, and federally. 
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WE OPPOSE

Misguided tobacco policies – In partnership with member businesses and national partners, PFMA is working both at the state and federal level to educate lawmakers and push back on ill-conceived tobacco policies such as the FDA’s proposed menthol cigarette ban.

State Sales Tax Rate Increase and Base Expansion: Halt attempts to raise the state sales tax from 6 percent and expand the base to additional products. 
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Mandatory Statewide Paid and Unpaid Leave: PFMA opposes government-mandated statewide paid and unpaid leave ordinances. 

State Bridge/Road Tolling – PFMA has been closely monitoring and is opposed to the efforts by PennDOT to implement new tolls along key bridges in the state, and has convened several meetings between legislators, the governor’s office, PennDOT and members to discuss the issue and explore alternate, less impactful ways for the state to raise needed funds for bridge and road repairs. A court ruling has at least temporarily halted progress on this tolling plan. PFMA is opposed to package delivery fees as a possible funding stream for infrastructure projects but open to discussing a broad range of options to support needed investment in state roads and bridges.

Property Tax Elimination/Tax Shift: PFMA opposes the elimination of property taxes, which would require a dramatic increase in the personal income tax and sales tax.
 
Menu Labeling Requirements: PFMA opposes state legislation that would require additional product/menu labeling by retailers and manufacturers in the Commonwealth. PFMA believes this is a federal issue and should be handled as such. 

Bottle Deposit Bill Legislation: PFMA opposes legislation that would add fees to beverage containers for redemption by retailers and consumers at redemption centers. 

Plastic Containers, Bags and Packaging Bans: PFMA opposes banning plastic bags, containers and packaging. We support increased recycling programs, consumer education and sustainability programs to help address this issue.

Predictive Scheduling: PFMA opposes government-mandated scheduling legislation, which would interfere and disrupt the employee/employer relationship. Also, such legislation would prohibit flexibility in an employee’s schedule at their own request.

Repeal of Net Operating Loss Carrybacks: PFMA opposes the retroactive repeal of the net operating loss relief included in the CARES Act.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let us know how we can work for you!

email

pfma@pfma.net
​

phone

(717) 731-0600
(800) 543-8207

address

1029 Mumma Road
Wormleysburg, PA  17043


The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association
All Rights Reserved. © 2021
​
Website by WebLink International
  • About
    • Celebrating 70 years
    • Board of Directors
    • Corporate Leadership Program
    • Our Team >
      • Contact us
      • Work at PFMA
    • Antitrust Statement
  • Membership
    • Retail Membership
    • Associate Membership
    • For members
  • Advocacy
    • Issues >
      • Federal Issues
      • State Issues
      • Philadelphia Issues
      • Pittsburgh/Allegheny Co Issues
      • Other regions issues
    • Priorities
    • Committees
    • FoodPAC
  • News & Publications
    • News Releases
    • Spectrum magazine
    • Videos and podcasts
    • Reports
    • Advertising rates
  • Events
    • 2022 Fall Legislative Conference
    • Calendar
  • Services
    • Scholarships
    • Resources and training >
      • COVID-19
      • Member Resources
      • Emergency planning
      • A Bag's Life
      • Helpful links
    • Pennsylvania Coupon Redemption Services >
      • The PCRS process
      • Sample coupon policy
    • Retail Price Accuracy >
      • SCP Request Information
    • Endorsed services & Partners
    • Job bank
  • Buyers Guide